Sepp Blatter, the Fifa president, has defended Real Madrid's £80 million move for Cristiano Ronaldo, despite widespread criticism of the Spanish club's huge outlay in the transfer market this week.

Real's world-record swoop for Manchester United's Ronaldo came just three days after the previous record £56 million move for AC Milan forward Kaka.

Real's spending is at odds with the financial climate, but Blatter insists the Ronaldo deal merely emphasises the healthy state of football.

"What does £80 million mean when 10 years ago another player with the same name (Ronaldo of Brazil) moved from one club to another for $50 million?" Blatter said. "It means that there is still a demand to have the stars.

"We are in a very sensitive market, in an economic crisis, but football remains a fantastic product, not just to buy or sell but a product that gives people what they want - emotions. They want the stars.

"This is the game of the people and they need stars. Okay, it is a lot of money, but he is performing."